Gamecocks grab extra-inning victory

OMAHA, Neb. – Christian Walker, cleared to play with a broken wrist a half-hour before the game, scored from first base on two throwing errors in the 11th inning and defending champion South Carolina beat Florida 2-1 in Game 1 of the College World Series final Monday night.

In a finish that looked a lot like their 13-inning win over Virginia on Friday, the Gamecocks (54-14) performed defensive magic late, throwing out two runners at home plate in the bottom of the ninth and another in the 10th.

Game 2 in the best-of-3 finals is Tuesday night.

The Gamecocks won their 15th consecutive NCAA tournament game and 10th in a row in the CWS, both tied for the longest streaks all-time.

Walker, who fractured his left wrist in the win over Virginia, singled up the middle to start the 11th inning. Florida catcher Mike Zunino threw into center field as Walker stole second. Walker took off for third and was awarded home after Bryson Smith’s throw from the outfield bounced away from Cody Dent and into the stands.

John Taylor (8-1) got the win and Matt Price earned his 19th save.

Nick Maronde (0-1) took the loss – the first for Florida (53-18) in 47 games this season in which the Gators led after the seventh inning.